Arthroscopic TMJ surgery: effects on signs, symptoms, and disc position

Nineteen subjects with documented intra-articular pathology refractory to nonsurgical therapies underwent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy involving lysis and lavage in the superior joint space. Following surgery, subjects were evaluated for 6 to 12 months by clinical examinations and questionnaires at designated time periods and by postsurgical joint imaging. Significant improvement was noted in pain, mandibular movement, and diet. No improvement was noted in the incidence of joint sounds, and disc position was unchanged in 80% of the joints. The findings suggest that disc repositioning may not be needed to achieve clinical success.